COLUMBUS AREA UNITED WAY CELEBRATES 2025 IMPACT AND RECOGNIZES
AGENCY VOLUNTEERS
Columbus, Nebraska – Volunteers are at the heart of organizations because they donate their time, energy, and passion to make meaningful work possible. Their commitment strengthens programs and makes impact possible. On April 17, Columbus Area United Way celebrated their 2025 impact on the local community and acknowledged the partner agencies and volunteers who helped serve people in their community.
This meeting is an opportunity to celebrate the work done in their four-county service area of Platte, Nance, Boone, and Colfax counties with the help of partner agencies, business partners, and incredible individual donors. Adam Urkoski, Resource Development Chair said, “Annual Meeting reminds us how lucky we are to be raising our families in a place like Columbus. To be able to appreciate the work that Columbus Area United Way does in our community and especially recognize those individuals who volunteer so much of their time and talents to make these things happen is truly impressive."
Columbus Area United Way supported fifteen partner agencies and twenty-seven programs in 2025. The 2025 Campaign raised $954,500 to fund these agencies and an additional $79,628 was awarded to an additional nine organizations with Impact Grants that were funded from the Columbus Area United Way endowment. As of 2025, Impact Grants have provided over $1.5 million back to the local communities. With these organizational partnerships, almost 24,000 clients were served in the focus areas of youth opportunity, healthy community, and financial security.
Columbus Area United Way Board President, Jeff Heinrich, said, “With the support of our incredible donors and partner agencies, the Columbus Area United Way contributed over $1 million in partner agency and impact grants into programs that touched 23,658 lives right here in our backyard. These funds support families in crisis, connect people to essential resources, and build safety nets for our neighbors in need. We don’t just raise dollars; we target specific local needs, and the results this year reflect that commitment. We're grateful for our donors, volunteers, and staff serving those in need.”
Columbus Area United Way also used this time to recognize the volunteers that help make our community stronger. Each partner agency got a chance to nominate a volunteer (or two!) that impacts their organization. Columbus Area United Way also honored their first Impact Partner of the Year to Harrah’s Casino for their volunteer efforts surrounding food access. Heinrich adds, “None of what we accomplish is possible without the remarkable people who give their time and talent to our community. They show up at food pantries, mentor students, serve on committees, and advocate for their neighbors without ever asking for recognition in return. On behalf of the entire board, I want them to know that their dedication is what makes the communities we serve the kind of places people are proud to call home.”
This year, the following individuals were honored for their time and commitment.
A Place at the Table – Wayne McCormick
Big Pals Little Pals – Dr. Ann Kramer
CASA Connection – Tom Cleary
Center for Survivors – Grant Jakub and Kadeesha Shorter
Columbus Area United Way – Greg Sander
Colfax County Food Pantry – Nicolas Renteria
Columbus Family YMCA – Lisa Hellbusch
Platte Valley Literacy Association – Dee Condon
Royal Family Kids Camp – Bob & Kristi Hackett
TeamMates Columbus – Liz Kumpf
The Arc of Platte County – Sophia Hamling
Youth and Families for Christ – Jean Kamrath
Columbus Area United Way Impact Partner of the Year – Harrah’s Casino
The work of Columbus Area United Way continues to expand because of these organizations and their volunteers. To view more of United Way’s 2025 impact, please view their annual report on columbusunitedway.com.